In December 2019, Mitch Zeller received an urgent call from the FDA. The initial plan to ban all e-cigarettes except for tobacco had been scrapped due to political pressure. President Donald Trump was reportedly pressuring the agency to allow flavored vapes, a move that aligns with his broader appeal to the vaping community.

By authorizing blueberry and mango-flavored vape juices by Glas, the FDA has taken a step back from its original policy. This decision seems driven more by political considerations than public health concerns, given that adult smokers represent a small voting block compared to the illicit market already catering to youth.

The push for flavored vapes is consistent with Trump’s efforts to secure the support of the vaping constituency, whom he views as crucial in swing states. Despite studies suggesting e-cigarettes could help adult smokers quit cigarettes, there’s no clear evidence that this political move will significantly impact public health or election outcomes.

The tobacco industry has a vested interest in maintaining its market share and opposing unregulated Chinese imports. By backing Trump financially, these companies hope to influence policy decisions that favor their interests over regulatory oversight.